By Eurohoops Team/ info@eurohoops.net
Erdem Can started his reign at Anadolu Efes with a win, as his team opened the 2023/24 season in the BSL with a comfortable 89-78 victory over Buyukcekmece.
Will Clyburn led the Istanbul team with 16 points, while talented Emre Melih Tunca shined with 14 points in 14 minutes. Rodrigue Beaubois and the summer signing Darius Thompson added 11 points each, while Ercan Osmani and Erten Gazi finished the match with 10 points apiece. Ante Zizic had a solid overall game with nine points, seven rebounds, three assist and blocks for a PIR of 16 (tied with Clyburn).
For Buyukcekmece Marcquise Reed and Evan Bruinsma scored 18 points each, Devonte Upson followed them with 12, while Kendrick Ray added 10 points.
After a tied first quarter, which Buyukcekmece won 26-25, Efes took control in the second period, going into halftime with a comfortable 48-38 lead. The guests gave a good fight to Erdem Can’s team, but couldn’t erase the deficit, so the hosts entered the final 10 minutes with a 72-59 lead. Soon in the fourth period, it was clear that Buyukcekmece couldn’t threaten Efes’ lead. The hosts grabbed an 80-61 lead and routinely put the game to bed.